Friday, April 29, 2016

Beth Huntley, photographer and devoted bachelorette, doesn’t believe in true love. Too much hurt and disappointment has left her hiding behind the camera. All she can see is a black and white world through the lens.

William Lorde, widower and father, was once an open and carefree man. The loss of his wife has left him wrapped up in the needs of his little girl. He can no longer see the colors of the world as he struggles each and every day. What happens when these two similarly different people meet and help each other to step out of the world they’ve created for themselves? Will they find a love that helps them heal from the past, enjoy their present and create a beautiful future?

Beth was tucked in to my side, my arm draped over her shoulders, and I rubbed her arm supportively. My other hand was covering one of her hands, keeping it from digging at her wrist.

Speechless, I listened for a second time to Beth's tale about a package she had been hiding. Her father and Jackie seemed to be just as shocked as I’d been. I wasn't sure how this conversation between her and Ryan was going to play out.

"All right, explain this again." Ryan asked sharply. “And they better be short sentences. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Beth's voice was shaky and understandably so. “Sunday I found an envelope on the steps of the house.”

“And you brought it in the house.” Ryan's voice went up an octave. “I've got that part. What I want clarification on, child, is... what was in it.”

Beth pushed her body tighter into mine. I continued to support her as much as possible.

“I'm waiting.”

This attitude Ryan was taking reminded me of a cop rather than a father. I wasn't fond of it and was about to say so when Beth accidentally cut me off.

“Dad, stop.” She fell out of my arms faster than I thought physically possible. “I know I screwed up. But right now I need my father not a dictator.”

Ryan's face blanched as his eyes bulged. He took a deep breath as he flexed his fists. After a momentary stare down with his daughter, his body sagged. “Beth, I'm sorry, but you've put so many people in danger here.”

“You don't think I know that. I messed up, okay? But I can't change the mistake. I can only try to correct it.” She admitted as she walked over and fell into him.

I could see a future me as he wrapped her up protectively in his arms. “Beth, explain the pictures again.”

“There were three. One was me and Jude. One had William, Angel and I at the park. And the other...” She paused. She had been terrified of the meaning of the last one when she told me the story. “I was by myself.”

“Where is the envelope now?” Ryan asked quietly. It was obvious he had the same realization that Beth and I had.

"In my room at home," Beth answered.

Ryan reached for his phone, tapped on the screen before putting it to his ear. "Answer the phone, boy," Ryan said, muttering to himself. "Wyatt? Call me when you get this message."

"Dad, please," Beth begged. "Don't drag Wyatt into this."

I could see her body tense and I worried that she was in the starting stages of another attack. I wanted to do something, say something that could give Beth a few moments to compose herself.

"Ryan, dear, can we just drop this subject for now? Nothing can be done till Wyatt calls, and I'm sure Beth's been dealing with all of this for long enough." Jackie was quick to assess the situation too.

"Thank you, Jackie, but I think William and I still have some talking to do," Beth objected.

She reached out her hand, silently asking me to come with her. I followed her out to the backyard. Beth stopped and turned, throwing her body against mine. She squeezed her arms tightly around my waist. "I'm so sorry."

I cocooned her within my arms. "Sorry for what?"

"For pulling you and Angel into this." Beth's voice was muffled against my chest. "I'll understand if you want to walk away now. It'll be safer for you if you did."

"What, wait... what?" I didn't even know where to start with this conversation. I pushed Beth away from me so I could look down into her eyes. "Are you serious? Why the hell would I walk away now, after I’ve fought for so long to get you to open up and trust me?"

"I just thought..." Beth was lost and confused.

She’d never dealt with anything like this before. Of course, I’d never dealt with anything like this either, unless you considered the Crystal situation.

I realized what I’d said. The words had been spoken, the feelings exposed. I knew how she felt, she had said it, and we knew how much we both meant to each other.

"Wasn't exactly how I wanted to tell you, but, yes. I love you, Elizabeth Diane Huntley. I would move heaven and earth to make sure you and Angel were safe, secure and protected from all the evils in this world," I declared. "You are now, and always will be, my life. Wherever this world takes you, Angel and I will follow."

Beth fell against me, hanging onto me as if I was the only tangible thing on Earth which existed for her. Her final wall fell as she gave in to the knowledge that she could find happiness in love.

My love for books began at a very small age. I lived inside the many worlds the local library could provide. The characters within those pages were my companions and my support when I needed someone most.

My imagination began to soar as I grew. I began writing small poems as a teenager, but never thought much about publishing or expanding beyond put my words to paper.

After my children were born our love for a certain TV show fueled my love for writing. Using my children as inspiration, I began to write fanfiction, my children being the characters within the stories.

My passion for putting words to paper (or screen as is the norm now) has turned from passion to obsession. I've made some incredible friends through this journey and in turn, have become not only an author but a promoter and supporter for those whose imagination dreams character and worlds that I can lose myself in.

I thank my precious children, my beautiful soul-mate and my forever sister and best friend for being my constant rock and support as I continue to walk this road called life.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Country music tells a story. The songs come from the heart and soul...musical tales of good times, bad times, and everything in-between.

Whether it's in a hole-in-the-wall honky-tonk or under the bright lights of Nashville, these musicians have something to say. From star performers in packed arenas to first-timers ready to make their dreams come true, they'll serenade you with a love song.

Welcome to Love Notes: Eight never before published romantic stories with a country music twist.

When the next King of country music offers to take you under his wing, what's a girl to do?

Pinch herself, of course. Repeatedly. Then take the offer!

Quinn Winters is tired of being the actress known for most killed off characters. After discovering her love of music when her last role portrayed a country singer on a daytime soap opera, she's making a much needed change in life. Quinn is unprepared for the demands and expectations needed to succeed in Music City. One pleading call from her sister puts her in an all too familiar, but unwanted position.

Five years ago, Tucker McGinnis auditioned for a reality singing show, never expecting to win. His sudden fame and popularity comes as a major surprise. After a multi platinum debut, his second album is suffering the dreaded sophomore jinx. His musical muse becomes elusive when guilt plagues him over an accident which affects his family. He is blown away by Quinn when he overhears her audition at his record label, singing his most personal song.

An attraction builds, and a connection through music is formed. But when life gets in the way, Tucker makes another offer - A temporary marriage which will benefit both of them, until things become too real.

Two souls destined for the stage, two hearts blending together to create beautiful music as individuals, but even better as country music's next power couple- if they can shed the images of who they used to be.

Kenzie Bolton had it all, or so everyone thought. She was the hottest voice in country music and married to her famous manger. But behind the triumphs, Kenzie lived a nightmare that was hard to break free from. And when she finally did, the hits stopped coming, leaving her new manager searching for a way to get Nashville’s sweetheart back on the charts.

Chad Radcliffe eschewed family expectations, instead pursuing his music dream, and went from playing college bars to platinum success as the front man for A New Horizon, but now one of his band mates wants to take a break, and the soulful rocker needs a new project to occupy his time.

When a producer suggests they team up for a duet, these two musicians from different genres are skeptical. Can dissonance result in beautiful harmony both in and out of the recording studio?

Rattled and Rolled (A Rough and Tumble Novella) - Crystal Green

Sophie Quinn isn't just an up-and-coming country princess--she's a runaway bride. The last man she ever expected to catch her is Cruz Gonzalez, who always had a song in his heart for her. Will they be able to make some sweet, sinful music together?

Whiskey Bent - Kimmie Easley

'Fate can kiss my big, country ass' is the only thought that music sensation Joselyn Tillman, can string together as she kicks the cold, hospital bed. Country music hearthrob, Dean Covington, watches the love of his life go from the vibrant, healthy lead singer of their band, Whiskey Bent, to lying in the hospital choosing to die. Will the lovebirds of country music ever make sweet music again? Or will they have to cancel the show?

Last One to Know - Bestselling author Sharon Coady

Leona McCoy has two secrets; she loves John Montgomery and wants to pursue a career in country music. Her controlling mother has prevented her from doing either. John Montgomery has his own secrets; he wants to see Leona pursue her dreams and he is determined to get her to admit her love for him.Will this summer prove to be the one where their dreams finally come true?

Holding the Other - Lyssa Layne

“I feel like I can conquer the world with one hand when you’re holding the other.” ~Anonymous

On Valentine's Day, Country Music King Lee Maverick's life took a drastic turn when his wife, fellow country crooner Miranda Wallen, asked him for a divorce. It's exactly what both of them wanted but after ten years touring together, Maverick is unsure what his career will be like without Miranda. Kyle Kelly, or KK as her friends call her, has been waiting for her big break into the country music scene. After another broken heart from a local guitar player, KK decides to give up on her musical aspirations, but her best friend, Brianna Rossi, refuses to let it go that easily. Thanks to her best friend, KK joins the newly divorced Maverick in his singing endeavors. After spending the first part of the tour fighting their attraction for one another, they finally give in to the inevitable. Both think they've found their happiness... until Maverick's ex wants back in the picture, exactly where she left off.

Broken Strings - National Bestselling author Susan Ann Wall

As co-host of an award-winning country radio show, Colleen Cooper is living her dream despite the steep price she paid to get there. She's no longer the young woman who narrowly escaped her would-be attacker in college. She's stronger. Wiser. Determined never to be that vulnerable again and ready to open her heart to the one thing she’s always denied herself – love.

Jake "JD" Donovan is best known as a country music playboy. After selling out to make it big in the industry, Jake is ready to live life without his record label's puppet strings. And he wants Colleen, the woman he’s always loved, by his side. He intends to record music his way, but when months of anonymous threats escalate to a personal attack on his tour mate, it’s clear someone doesn’t want Jake breaking out on his own.

Jake and Colleen find themselves falling into perfect harmony until she becomes a target. Jake's determined to protect her, but she’s keeping secrets that threaten to undermine his plans. With her former lover as the investigating detective, Jake now has to prove he’s not the one sabotaging his career. More importantly, can he convince Colleen to take a chance on the man's he's become?

Nothing But a Hound Dog - National & International bestselling author Marcia James

After a night of raucous partying, country music hunk Ryan "Rowdy" Gates is sentenced to community service at the Jenkins Animal Shelter. Cindi Landon,shelter director and his high school crush, offers Ryan something he's never had--a home and unconditional love.

Nikki Lynn Barrett: I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.

Crystal Green is a RITA nominated romantic fiction author who tries her best to avoid international incidents whenever she takes a break from her first love, writing, and cheats on it with her other true love—traveling. She’s the author of the New Adult digital first Aidan Falls series, along with the Rough and Tumble romances, and she has an alter ego named Chris Marie Green, who writes mystery thrillers (The Final Girls Books), the paranormal thriller Ghost for Hire series, and the urban fantasy Vampire Babylon series.

Kimmie Easley is an International bestselling romance author who grew up traveling the country, rarely settling in one place for much longer than a minute. Being no stranger to heartache and love, she allows her unconventional life to fuel her writing.

Kimmie is addicted to all things books, wine, cupcakes and flip-flops. She is a homeschool momma, southern wife and pug wrangler.

Kimmie can be found somewhere in the south writing wine worthy stories.

Best Selling Author Sharon Coady was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Rockville, Maryland. Her husband spent 22 years in the Army so they did a lot of traveling around the world. They settled in Florida with three of their daughters and five of their eleven grandchildren. Sharon is a nurse working for the Veterans Administration, the mother of four daughters and grandmother to three granddaughters and seven grandsons. Writing has always been something she has loved to do, after years of encouragement from her mother she finally got the courage to publish her first book. She has written contemporary romance, suspense, YA paranormal, sweet Christmas and a Spicy Christmas romances. She has five published books and is currently writing a Country Music Romance.

Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

Big dreamer and certifiable overachiever Susan Ann Wall embraces life at full speed and volume. She’s a beer and tea snob, can be bribed with dark chocolate, and the #1 thing on her bucket list is to be the center of a Bon Jovi flash mob. Susan is a nationally bestselling, multi-genre author of racy, rule-breaking romance and women’s fiction. Her bragging rights include the Fighting Back for Love series, Puget Sound ~ Alive With Love series, Superstitious Brides Romance series, Sunset Valley Women’s Fiction series, and Devon Taggart Suspense series. She also likes to boast about her three perfect children, two amazing rescue dogs, and a happily ever after that started while serving in the U.S. Army and has spanned two decades (which is crazy since she’s not a day over 29). In her next life, Susan plans to be a 5 foot 10, size 8 rock star married to a chiropractor and will not be terrified of large bridges, spiders, or quiet people (shiver).

Marcia James writes hot, humorous romances featuring heroines you can root for, heroes to die for, and funny dogs. She finaled in 11 Romance Writers of America contests before selling her first comic romantic suspense, At Her Command. In her eclectic career, she has shot submarine training videos, organized celebrity-filled nonprofit events, and had her wedding covered by People Magazine. After years of dealing with such sexy topics as how to safely install traffic lights, she is enjoying “researching” and plotting her novels' steamy love scenes with her husband and hero of many years. Please visit Marcia’s website to read book excerpts, enter her monthly contest, and subscribe to her e-newsletter.

Finding my best friend and getting the hell out of California is top priority. Especially as the relationship with my rockstar stepbrother becomes more complicated with each passing day...

I’m on the tour bus partying!

The text from my best friend, Ivy is one of her last. When weeks stretch with no further contact, I travel to L.A. to track down the band known as Rageon and find Ivy.

As the daughter of a groupie mom, and of a rock star father who fatally overdosed, I know the dangers of the world my friend disappeared into.

My ex-stepbrother, Gage, a musician who’s just come off tour invites me to crash at his place.

The last time I saw Gage in person, we were teens. He's a popular presence on social media, so I’m prepared for the tattoo-covered rocker who answers my knock. What I’m not expecting to find is that the sweet, sensitive teen I grew up with is now an irresponsible, partying playboy who lives for his next fix.

As the search for Ivy narrows, my relationship with my rockstar stepbrother becomes more complicated. The tingling tug of attraction toward him is unexpected--and unacceptable. First, we’re practically siblings. Most importantly, I’ll never allow myself to fall for a musician, especially one with a drug addiction.

Gage teams up with me to find Ivy, introducing me into the right circles and guarding my secrets.

My search for Ivy takes me places I never wanted to go...

And my heart is an unwilling passenger on that dark ride.

I stretched out on the sunning pad, bringing one knee slightly up, and lifting my arms above my head. I didn’t have to look toward the studio to know Gage was watching. His gaze was a pleasant tickle on my skin, and the sounds he cajoled from his guitar pulsated a pleasure point in the pit of my stomach. The combination caused a sweet, hot burn between my legs.

I was falling in love with him. Either I had been since my teen crush days and had right this second realized it, or I had fallen hard—yesterday morning with seven words.I would have taken care of you.

Did he have feelings for me? Or did he watch me with fire in his eyes and continuously make up excuses to touch me out of desire only?

Rock stars. Bad.I worked on my self-brainwashing technique.

Rock stars. Trouble.

But Gage was Gage. The boy who had taken care of me. The man who wanted to...

A few more measures drifted over the pool and then dwindled to a pause. “You ever going to order the linguine?” he asked.

We had hashed over what we wanted for dinner and had decided on Pace, an Italian restaurant that delivered in the area.

“What are you going to do when I leave?” I grumbled about the chore and didn’t immediately leave my comfortable position to wade over to my phone.

Was my leaving getting to him too? His eyes seemed sad and distant for a moment before he recovered and retorted. “Same thing I did before you showed. Throw wild parties. Fill the pool with naked models who will order me food and bring me drinks.”

I laughed. But the sound seemed fake to my ears. The thought of nude women doing Gage’s every bidding was so not funny to me. But since he was being big brother taunting me, I served up sassy-little-sister-on-a-stick right back. “You sure you had all that going on? Pool looks empty to me. When I came I was hoping you’d have parties with hot rock stars hanging all day.”

One second later, he had vacated the chair and was in the water. Five seconds later, he’d reached my teak island and was hauling me off as I screeched.

“You need to cool off, little mermaid!”

“No, I don’t. I really don’t.”

His grip relaxed, allowing me to slide down his front until I was standing in the knee-deep water. When I shivered, it wasn’t because I’d cooled off! Quite the opposite.

“What would you do with these hot rock stars?” His challenge was a husky rumble near one of my ears.

My gaze glided from the hand underwater on my waist, up his arm, taking in the decorative ink—barbed wire music scores ran up the inside of his arm and beginning at the bend, spiraled up his biceps and triceps. “Hot rock star… Half naked in the pool…” I used his own images against him. “Hmm. I don’t know…”

In retaliation, he hooked an arm beneath my knees, prepared to unbalance me.

“Don’t… I don’t want to be all wet again…” I was laughing so hard at his antics, I didn’t immediately grasp what I’d said until his expression became even more animated.

“No? Are you sure?”

I’d hiked head-on into that one. His eyes were still alight with mischief. But they also glittered dark and dangerous. In the position he had maneuvered me into, he could drop me, and I’d fall backward, dunking under before I caught myself. Or he could hold me closer… and kiss me…

Either way, I’d end up wet.

“Very sure.” It took every ounce of willpower to force the two words out.

I could call Derrick as soon as my plane landed in Belize. Or I’d have a fling. What I wouldn’t do was cross what was becoming a very thin line—perhaps even a dotted one—between stepbrother and lover.

The plunge into the water startled me. I’d been so sure Gage wouldn’t drop me when I’d drifted for a few seconds into my thoughts. My elbows hit the smooth bottom, and I pushed above the water, sputtering and wiping the hair from my face.

“You ass!” I skimmed the surface with my hands, raining a series of splashes until he was deluged and dripping.

He didn’t even fight back, simply shot one of his smirks and hastened back to his chair and his ever-ringing phone.

Lyrica Creed lives and breathes music. Austin, Texas will always be home, but she surrendered to wanderlust just out of college. Her phone stays handy while sleeping to record the melodies or verses she wakes to. One night instead of a tune, she roused to a plot and characters whispering in her ear, and Strung Out was born. When Gage and Scarlette weren’t content to fade away into their HEA, Hung Out followed.

Morgan le Fay, sixth-century Queen of Gore and the only major character not killed off by Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, vows revenge upon the Yankee Hank Morgan. She casts a spell to take her to 1879 Connecticut so she may waylay Sir Boss before he can travel back in time to destroy her world. But the spell misses by 300 miles and 200 years, landing her in the Washington, D.C., of 2079, replete with flying limousines, hovering office buildings, virtual-reality television, and sundry other technological marvels.

Whatever is a time-displaced queen of magic and minions to do? Why, rebuild her kingdom, of course—two kingdoms, in fact: as Campaign Boss for the reelection of American President Malory Beckham Hinton, and as owner of the London Knights world-champion baseball franchise.

Written as though by the old master himself, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court by Mark Twain as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee offers laughs, love, and a candid look at American society, popular culture, politics, baseball... and the human heart.

The wench’s smile looked indulgent, if a bit saddened. “Queen Morgan, may I offer an observation?”

“Pray, proceed, Darla, as I seem to have paid for it.”

“This is about a man—the dishy one you’re always coming in here with.”

“Brilliant. Yes, the dishy one. Dishy, and treacherous.” I took a long pull of bitters.

“Lor’ love ye, madame; but all men are treacherous! If you’re lucky, that’s all he is.”

I reflected, through another draught, upon this spot of rough wisdom. Of all the men I had ever known, biblically or not, in this century or any other, the only man I could not label as “treacherous” was Sir Galahad, and we all know what happened to him. For the couple of you who might not be privy to the story: in brief, Sir Galahad drank from the Holy Grail and fell down dead, reportedly because his soul was so pure that Our Lord God bustled him straightaway to heaven. The fact that Sir Galahad had always acted so damned self-righteous that his Grail-hunting companions had wearied of his holier-than-thou ways probably had nothing whatever to do with his demise. I said:

She was not listening, but had looked toward the line of tall windows fronting the street, across which arched the words “nnI dleiftuO” and, in a revolving pattern of white, blue, and red tube-lights, “NEPO.” I would have taken umbrage at the offense—the server’s, not the fact that the words in the windows appeared backward to my vantage—but I had imbibed too much beer to care.

Darla said, “You need his love…and he needs yours. Look.”

Here's a review I wrote about this fabulous book when it had a different cover and had yet to win the2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal for Science Fiction & Fantasy:

What Kim Headlee has done here is just amazing. The story begins with Mark Twain talking from beyond his grave. He wants a sequel to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and he’s chosen Kim to deliver it.

And man does she!

There’s so much to love about this story.

First, let me say this book, even the ebook, is stuffed full of the most beautiful engravings. From the comments at the end of the book, I believe there is also an audio book and yes, even a screenplay floating about. If you purchase the audio, you should buy the ebook or book as well so you can have the engravings.

The ebook is only 2.99, as I write this, a bargain for the engravings alone, nevertheless the superb story that comes with it.

Next, let me list a few of hurdles that Headlee has to jump over:

First, she had to really get to know Mark Twain, and then get beyond her ‘unworthiness’ to write for him. It took her years to do this, but IMO time well spent.

Now, to the undercurrents of the story that could have caused her trouble:

This book relies on Time travel for the backbone of the story. Time Travel is always tricky, and normally leaves me dissatisfied due to implausibility issues. But I had no issues with Kim Headlee’s solution. While she didn't attempt to explain the technology and physics in detail, (being too busy playing baseball) I found it most plausible, so I was happy.

Next challenge: Handling romantic interludes like Twain. I was very pleased here. Kim matches what he would have done very nicely, although, to be honest, I enjoyed hers more than Twain’s. (I firmly believe women, or at least Kim, can write better romance than an old guy with wild white hair.) Still, the sections were more humorous than descriptive, much like Twain’s.

In addition, Twain had a habit of ‘thought wandering’ while he shared a story and Headlee does him justice in this matter as well.

Next, she has to make a believable transition for Queen Morgan to become a protagonist we wish to root for.

Honestly, I didn’t see how she would manage that, but she did. I loved Morgan from beginning to end. I especially loved the way she would talk to the reader throughout the book, confessing the truth and sharing details. It was as if I were her BFF.

I read this in a single setting, despite having a great deal to do, because frankly, I could not put the book down. I think Morgan may have enchanted me…

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, and assorted wildlife. People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins—the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-twentieth century—seem to be sticking around for a while yet. She has been an award-winning novelist since 1999 (Dawnflight first edition, Sonnet Books, Simon & Schuster) and has been studying the Arthurian Legends for nigh on half a century.